The thesis investigates associations between the biomarkers of lead (Pb) exposure (and mercury (Hg), where applicable) and genetic variability in in vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and their newborns from Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia, as well as Slovenian men of reproductive age. The research utilizes data from the Public Health …
The analysis of drug residues in waste and environmental waters offers valuable insights into the epidemiological and environmental implications of drug use. This study employs a wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) approach to estimate the use of licit and illicit drugs and new psychoactive substances (NPS) among both general and specific populations. …
Human exposure to environmental stressors is widespread. Highly dynamic, these chemical, physical and social factors, collectively termed as the exposome, interact with internal factors such as genetics, sex, gut microbiome and general health status, and dictate susceptibility and risk for an onset of diseases. Human exposure to the chemicals is …
From the moment of conception until death, humans are exposed to chemicals at varying intensities and frequencies. While an individual’s level of resilience is commonly high enough to tolerate these kinds of stressors, specific exposures or genetic predispositions can lower it. Therefore, the assessment of chemical exposure, the development of …
The identification and quantification of organic compounds present in the environment is a major area of application in modern analytical chemistry. However, it is still scarcely recognized that, in addition to the chemical identity and concentration of organic compounds, there is more information to be found about their source and …
Mercury (Hg) is one of the most toxic metals. Its toxicity depends on the route of exposure, on its chemical form and the dose to which a person is exposed. The most susceptible population are pregnant women and children. Epidemiological studies suggest neuropsychological dysfunctions in children who were prenatally exposed …
The research work presented in this thesis considers the development of new biocompatible surfaces that are able to control the adhesion of specific proteins responsible for the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Creutzfeldt–Jakob, Alzheimer, Parkinson and Lewis body disease. Our approach was focused on problems prior to the detection …